Chauffeur insurance ensures that drivers are covered for accidents, injuries, or damage that may occur while transporting passengers in a luxury vehicle.

It typically includes passenger liability, which protects the driver if a passenger is injured while in the vehicle, as well as public liability, which covers claims from the public if they are injured or their property is damaged due to an accident.

This type of insurance is often used for higher-value vehicles like limousines, executive saloons, and luxury cars.

Chauffeur insurance is often necessary for meeting the legal requirements for driving paying passengers, as traditional car insurance may not cover this type of use.

Some policies may also offer optional cover for things like legal expenses, personal accident cover, and local roadside assistance.

Many insurance companies offer bespoke cover to tailor the policy to the specific needs of the chauffeur and their business, including whether they are contracted, self-employed, or a business with a mixed use of public hire, private hire, and chauffeuring work.

• Financial Protection: Safeguards against the financial repercussions of accidents, damage, theft, and third-party claims.
• Business Continuity: Enables chauffeurs to quickly get back on the road after an incident, minimizing disruption to their services and income.
• Legal Compliance: Ensures compliance with UK law, which mandates specific insurance coverage for private hire vehicles.
• Enhanced Reputation: Demonstrates professionalism and commitment to client safety, bolstering the chauffeur’s standing in the market. 

• Accidental Damage: Covers the costs of repairing or replacing the insured vehicle following an accident, regardless of fault.
• Fire and Theft: Protects against losses due to fire, lightning, explosion, theft, or attempted theft of the vehicle.
• Malicious Damage/Vandalism: Provides cover for damage caused intentionally by others. 

• Third-Party Liability: This is the legal minimum requirement and covers death or injury to a third party (including passengers) or damage to their property or vehicle in an accident where the chauffeur is at fault.
• Passenger Liability: Specifically protects against claims made by passengers who are injured or whose belongings are lost or damaged during a journey. This is a critical element for chauffeur services.
• Public Liability (Optional but Highly Recommended): Covers legal costs and compensation if the chauffeur’s business activities cause injury to a member of the public or damage their property, both within and outside the vehicle, e.g., during passenger pick-up or drop-off. 

• Breakdown Assistance: Provides roadside recovery and repairs or transportation in case of a vehicle breakdown.
• Personal Accident Cover: Offers financial compensation in the event of death or injury to the chauffeur or other named drivers.
• Legal Expenses Cover: Covers legal costs incurred in defending against civil claims or prosecuting a third party.
• Contents Insurance: Protects business equipment or tools stored within the vehicle.
• Business Interruption Insurance: Helps cover lost income if the chauffeur’s vehicle is unusable due to an insured event.
• Windscreen and Glass Cover: Covers the cost of repairing or replacing damaged windscreens or other glass components.
• Courtesy or Replacement Vehicle: Provides a temporary replacement vehicle if the insured vehicle is off the road for repairs after a covered accident. 

• Private Hire Insurance: For services where journeys are pre-booked and payment is not taken in the vehicle.
• Executive Hire Insurance: Specifically for transporting clients in luxury vehicles, often for corporate or VIP events.
• Mixed Fleet Insurance: Suitable for businesses operating a fleet of vehicles with a mix of private hire and other uses. 

• Vehicle Value and Type: Luxury and high-value vehicles, being more expensive to repair or replace, attract higher premiums.
• Driver’s Experience and Driving Record: A clean driving history with no accidents or violations can lead to lower premiums. More experienced drivers may also benefit from reduced costs.
• Claims History: A history of previous claims or incidents can increase premiums, reflecting a higher risk profile for the insurer.
• Location of Operations: Areas with higher crime rates or traffic congestion may lead to increased premiums.
• Intended Vehicle Use: The frequency and nature of business use will influence premiums, with higher mileage often resulting in higher costs.
• Security Features: Vehicles equipped with security measures like alarms and immobilizers may qualify for reduced premiums.
• Voluntary Excess: Choosing a higher voluntary excess (the amount paid by the policyholder in the event of a claim) can sometimes lead to a lower overall premium.
• Risk Management Procedures: Implementing risk mitigation strategies, such as dashcams, driver background checks, or advanced driving courses, can potentially lower premiums. 

1. Ensure Safety: Prioritize the safety of all occupants and others involved. Move to a safe location if possible.
2. Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid admitting fault or liability, even if it seems apparent. This can complicate the claims process.
3. Gather Evidence: Collect details such as other drivers’ information, witness details, vehicle registration numbers, and take photos of the scene and any damage.
4. Report to Police: If unable to exchange details, or in cases of theft or serious accidents, inform the police within 24 hours and obtain a crime reference number.
5. Notify Your Insurer: Contact the insurance provider as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of the incident, to initiate the claims process.
6. Follow Insurer’s Instructions: Cooperate fully with the insurance company, providing all requested documentation and information to facilitate a smooth and efficient claims resolution. 

• Driving without a valid license or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Loss or damage resulting from fraud or deception.
• Loss or damage resulting from the use of an inappropriate type or grade of fuel.
• Mechanical or electrical breakdowns (unless included as a specific add-on).
• Wear and tear or depreciation.
• Loss or damage if the vehicle is not covered by a valid MOT certificate (if required by law).